"The 82-56 vote came after an impassioned debate. The legislation cleared the state Senate last week 27-20.

"'Today's historic vote is a long time coming,' said Del. Heather Mizeur, echoing arguments that the death penalty has not been used fairly nor without mistake in Maryland's history. 'Who are we to be the judges?' the Montgomery County Democrat asked. 'Extinguishing a light, no matter how dim, is never the path to illumination.'"

"Maryland voters could still get the final say on the measure, however. A provision in the state constitution allows citizens to petition recently passed laws to the ballot, as happened with same-sex marriage legislation last year."